Bratwurst Pretzel Bites (German Street Food)

Ingredients

• 4 fully cooked bratwurst links, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 10 cups water
• 2/3 cup baking soda
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons coarse pretzel salt
• 1 cup German mustard, for serving

Method

1. 1

   In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.

   5:00 · Yeast activation
2. 2

   Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture and mix until a rough dough forms, then knead in the melted butter until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 6 minutes.

   6:00 · Knead dough
3. 3

   Cover the dough and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.

4. 4

   Preheat the oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

5. 5

   Punch down the dough and divide into 32 equal pieces. Flatten each piece, wrap around a bratwurst chunk, and pinch the seams to seal completely.

6. 6

   Bring the 10 cups of water to a boil in a large stock pot and carefully stir in the baking soda.

7. 7

   Boil the wrapped bites in batches of 6 to 8, for 20 seconds each, then remove with a slotted spoon and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheets.

   0:20 · Boil bites
8. 8

   Brush each bite with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse pretzel salt.

9. 9

   Bake until deep golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes, rotating pans halfway through.

   12:00 · Bake pretzel bites
10. 10

    Let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm with German mustard for dipping.

    5:00 · Cool before serving